Cassandra's eyes locked onto Artemis, overflowing with longing. Her tears wouldn't stop—not when someone she loved so deeply finally came for her. There wasn't a trace of fear in Artemis's brown irises. She gave Cassandra a faint smile, as if to say, We're getting out of this. Together.
Birgit watched Artemis's arrival with open suspicion, especially as Artemis struggled to rein in her fury—more so after seeing the miserable state of the girl she had protected with everything she had. Cassandra's body was barely covered by a thin, knee-length white dress, leaving the bluish bruises on her thighs and legs cruelly exposed to Artemis's eyes. And let's not forget the swelling on Cassandra's forehead and chin, the scratch marks on her cheek, or the cloth stuffed into her mouth—none of it escaped Artemis's cold gaze.
Slowly, a wide, mocking grin crept across Birgit's face. She seemed almost thrilled, eager to test whether the rumors about Artemis were true. That De Rucci bald girl is actually shaking, she thought. Well… let's see how long she lasts.
Birgit tilted her head, peeking past Artemis, then let out a chuckle.
"So you really came alone?" she laughed. "Ha-ha-ha! Damn, I was just kidding!"
Out of nowhere, four of Birgit's men—each built twice as massive as the one standing beside her—closed in around Artemis.
"Tragic, isn't it?" Birgit smirked. "I used to prefer taking a lazy afternoon nap with you. But now?" She clicked her tongue. "I'd much rather watch you break. Sorry not sorry, Arte."